Safety can be a fuzzy concept at times, so let's start with a clear definition of what we mean. By "safe workplace," we mean one that prevents accidents and protects its workers.
Some industries deal with a number of inherent risks. There is, unfortunately, no way to completely eliminate danger when working in mine shafts or confined spaces with hazardous atmospheres. But we can consider those workplaces safe if the employer and safety team take every reasonable precaution to ensure that workers can do their job without being harmed.
That will involve a number of small steps that will add up to big results. But which ones are the most important?
The Two Biggest Components of Workplace Safety
Reducing accidents and ensuring a safe workplace boils down to two things. Every employee needs:
- The training to know when something is wrong
- The tools to easily identify and report problems
Yes, there will need to be machine guards on all the heavy equipment. You'll need a steady supply of respirators for any tasks that expose workers to respiratory hazards. And there has to be signs posted to remind everyone of safe work practices.
But there also needs to be a system in place in case those control measures fail or something unexpected occurs.
That starts with training.
Reducing Accidents with Training
Employees who have received sufficient training and regular refresher sessions not only know how to work safely, but have a good sense for when something's off.
They can tell when the fall protection harness doesn't fit as snugly as it should. They can see when a chemical container has not been properly sealed or stored. They know when a machine is making a noise it shouldn't be making.
The training attunes them to those issues and gives them the confidence to get help instead of second-guessing themselves.
And that brings us to the second component: reporting those safety issues.
Preventing Safety Issues with Reporting
Noticing an issue and fixing it is a goo
d step. Notifying a supervisor and reporting it is an even better one.
That's because every small issue could point to a bigger problem.
Every near miss is an incident that could happen again in the future, unless concrete measures are taken to prevent it. When the machinery makes an odd noise, it might need to be inspected or serviced before something really goes wrong with it. A machine guard on a circular saw that seems a bit loose is one that could fall off when you need it most.
At the very least, flagging an issue creates an opportunity for a quick safety moment that could end up saving someone from losing a finger or inhaling harmful chemicals.
(Find out What Makes Safety Moments Successful)
Streamlining the Reporting Process
Everyone knows they're supposed to do something about these issues, but they often go unreported. Why? Because there are too many obstacles.
There's a process and a chain of command in place. Employees know who to report to and how to do it. But if it's not easy, it will often get put off – or forgotten altogether.
No one wants to interrupt their workflow to track down the safety manager and fill out lengthy paper forms, all while wondering if it was even worth all that fuss for such a minor issue.
So, one of the best things you can do to improve workplace safety is minimize those interruptions and reduce the time it takes to point out and report an issue. The more streamlined the process, the more people will use it.
The simplest way to do this is by leveraging technology. A user-friendly smartphone or tablet application can overcome all the delays and inefficiencies caused by paper-based forms. Workers can even report an issue before tracking down someone from the safety team.
These mobile solutions have proven very effective. They're also used to create preventative maintenance programs based on historical safety data. Instead of following the standard maintenance schedule, you can predict when it is needed and prevent future accidents.
In other words, it will help you create the kind of safe workplace where everyone can feel valued and protected.